FR2473152A1 - DISCONNECTABLE COUPLING DEVICE FOR A PIPE - Google Patents

Abstract

THE PRESENT INVENTION CONCERNS A DISCONNECTABLE COUPLING DEVICE FOR A PIPE. THIS DEVICE INCLUDES AN ADJUSTMENT PART 14, INCLUDING A BORE 16 AND AN OPENING 18 WHICH COMMUNICATES WITH THE BORE 16, ITSELF INTENDED TO BE PUT INTO COMMUNICATION WITH A SOURCE OF PRESSURIZED FLUID. THE COUPLING DEVICE INCLUDES A RETAINING RING 20 INCLUDING A SERIES OF AXIAL TEETH 22, INCLUDING POINTS 26 WHICH PRESS ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF A TUBE 10. A CONTROL RING 44, LINKED TO AN RELEASE SLEEVE 36 , ALLOWS TO PUSH BACK THE FINGERS 22 TO RELEASE THE PIPE 10. AN O-RING 32 ENSURES THE TIGHTNESS OF THE CONNECTION. THIS DEVICE IS USED TO CONNECT TWO PIPES TO THEM OR ONE PIPE WITH A COMPONENT OF A HYDRAULIC OR PNEUMATIC SYSTEM.

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling device for tubes and

  conduits used for the transport of fluids (for example liquids,

  air, gas, etc.), and more particularly a coupling device de-

  connectable by means of which a tube or conduit, inserted in this coupling device,

  beach, can be cleared and removed. Such a coupling device is particularly

  particularly useful for hydraulic or pneumatic equipment of

  These coupling devices are used to form joints between two tubes or conduits, or as joints between tubes and components.

  pneumatic or hydraulic equipment.

  Already known coupling devices disconnectable. These dis-

  known positive elements generally comprise an adjusting member having an opening

  wherein a tube or conduit can be inserted and held in place by a locking tooth of a retainer. An unlocking member

  is usually intended to counteract the blockage effect of this tooth.

  Known devices generally include a gasket for

  to ensure the tightness between the adjustment device and the tube, and to avoid leaks

  of fluid between the tube and the coupling member to which it is connected.

  Three general types of retaining rings are known according to the prior art. One type of retaining element is, for example, described in US Pat. No. 4,123,090 issued Oct. 31, 1978, and includes a washer-like element having a series of small teeth erected radially inward, and which are arranged to press against the outside surface of the pipe. With these washer-type retainers, a separate element is generally needed to hold the element in position. In addition, because of the short length of the fingers used in this type of retaining ring, the

  materials, with which these retaining rings are manufactured, must be

  gides, so as to generate the holding force required to prevent the tube from being ejected or withdrawn from the adjusting member. This has the consequence that a greater force must be applied to the fingers, to bring them to

  loosen their grip on the tube. In this way, it happens that we apply

  that on the fingers too much stress, the unlocking sleeve

  lage moving axially towards the fingers too much,

  what twists these fingers down and out.

  Another type of retaining ring is described in US Pat.

  No. 3,909,046 issued on September 30, 1975. The device described

  in this patent comprises a retaining element provided with a series of fingers o-

  downward and inwardly biased, which are arranged to

  see moving radially inward to grip and take

  on the pipe by means of a blocking device arranged inside the

  opening of the adjustment piece. The locking member comprises a surface 2.

  cam to engage the fingers radially inward when the element

  restraint is moved in a direction away from the adjus-

  floor. This device creates a potential problem of unlocking or disengaging

  finger grip with respect to the tube or conduit, due to the fact that the retaining element can move relative to the adjusting member, which eliminates the locking force, for example due to vibrations or the pressure of the

  fluid flowing in the tube or duct.

  Another device of the prior art is described in US Pat. No. 4,021,062 issued May 3, 1977. The coupling device according to the prior art, defined by this patent, comprises a retaining element having a

  a series of interdependent and constrained fingers, and a ring of

  lock disposed within the retainer. The retaining ring and the unlocking ring are arranged to be inserted and glued in

  position in an opening of the fitting to which the tube or

  must be connected. In this device, the unlocking ring can be actuated when it is pushed axially, in order to disengage the teeth

  of the retaining ring to release the tube or duct. In all these arrangements

  According to the prior art, the manufacturing method of the retaining element produces burrs or sharp edges on the retaining fingers, resulting in scratches or nicks in the outer surface of the tube to be connected. Accordingly, if the seal of the disconnectable coupling device is disposed below the retaining fingers, for example between

  the end of the bore formed inside the fitting part and the

  retention of the fingers, the seal no longer fully fulfills its function by sealing and avoiding leakage of fluid inside the coupling member, leakage occurring along the scuffed sections to

the outside of the tube.

  The present invention proposes to provide a device for

  disconnectable range for a pipe, this device comprising a piece of

  a bore, and having an opening in said bore,

  wise to house the end of a pipe, said opening having a first

  adjacent to said bore and a second end open to the outside

  of said adjusting member, a retaining ring in the opening having

  a series of fingers arranged axially and forced inwards, from

  to bear on the tube when it is inserted into the fitting through the bore, so that the tube is retained axially in said

  adjusting piece, the retaining ring having a circular section

  these multiple, the series of fingers being integral with said circular portion

  and the adjacent facets of the circular part defining a

  corners, the dimensions of the circular part being such that a number of

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  imaginary, passing through said corners, has a diameter greater than the

  part of the opening against which it is leaning before the retaining ring

  inserted in this opening, and the dimensions of this part

  such that the diameter of an imaginary circle, passing through the tangential contact points of the facets, is smaller than the diameter of said portion of the opening before the retaining ring is introduced therein,

  so that the retaining ring is held in said part of said opening.

  only by supporting said corners against the side wall of the

  said opening, when this retaining ring is actually inserted into this opening; and unlocking means arranged to solicit the

  fingers radially outwardly to disengage said pipe.

  The present invention also relates to a disconnectable coupling device for a pipe, this device comprising an adjustment piece in which is formed a bore, and having an opening in said bore

  to house the end of a pipe; a retaining ring disposed in this-

  vertex having a circular piece and a series of forced axial fingers

  inwardly and integral with the circular part, these fingers being

  to support the hose when it is inserted into the adjuster

  bore, so that the pipe can not move

  axial cement with respect to the adjustment piece, each of the fingers comprising

  a first part inclined at their end, this part being folded radially

  inwards to a first axial position between the ex-

  tremities of the fingers and the circular part, and these fingers being spaced the

  each other beyond the circular part, the distance separating them

  as they are brought into contact with each other, when

  the curves radially inwards to a certain extent, beyond

  which it is no longer possible to bend, and unlocking means capable of pushing these fingers radially outwardly to disengage said pipe. On the other hand, the present invention makes it possible to perform a disconnectable coupling for a tube, this disconnectable coupling device comprising

  an adjusting part in which is formed a bore, and having an opening

  in said bore to accommodate the end of the pipe, said bore being

  arranged to be in communication with a source of fluid, and

  said opening having a first end adjacent to said bore and a second

  open end of the end of the fitting; a retaining ring, mounted in this opening and having a series of fingers arranged axially and constrained radially inwards, so as to bear on the pipe when it is inserted into said bore, so that this pipe

  can not move axially out of the fitting; a seal of

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  the annular circumference disposed in the opening, in an axial position compres the fingers and the first end of the opening, to take aop ';

  on the one hand on the pipe and on the other hand the inner wall of the opening. e

  to ensure sealing between the pipe and the fitting when the pipe is mounted inside, the annular seal being arranged

  to exert a force in an axial direction directed to the secone: 'x-

  opening of the opening, when said seal is subjected to the pressure of the flui in communication with said bore; stressing means, susceot2b.es being brought into contact with said annular seal and associated

  said fingers held inward to increase the force of con-

  of these fingers in response to an axial force exerted on the seal of

  annular sealing, and means for unlocking, capable of repelling

  the series of fingers radially outwardly to disengage said tube.

  Still according to the present invention, the coupling device de-

  connectable comprises a retaining ring arranged to be inserted into a

  opening of an adjusting part of a coupling device, this ring of

  holding having a circular part and a series of axial fingers constrained towards

  the inside of the ring, these fingers being spaced from one another and

  of the circular part, these fingers being designed to bear on a pipe introduced through the retaining ring, in order to retain this pipe and to prevent any axial displacement with respect to the adjusting piece, the ring retainers having protruding portions disposed around the periphery of the circular portion at intermediate positions between the positions

  these fingers, the prominent parts being arranged to cut grooves

  in the side wall of the opening of the adjusting member when the retaining ring is inserted into this opening, these grooves causing the formation of projections disposed under the protruding parts and intended to prevent further movement of the ring held back inside the

fitting part.

  The present invention will be better understood with reference to the description

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling device of the present invention showing the fingers resting on a pipe, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. the retaining ring of the coupling device of FIG. 1, Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the sleeve of

  unlocking the coupling device of FIG. 1, illustrating in particular

  bond the full bead disposed along its inner circumference,

  FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of FIG.

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  positive coupling and the tube of FIG. 1, but o the support sections of

  fingers are no longer in contact with the pipe.

  Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show enlarged sectional views

  a part of the coupling device shown in FIG. 1, respectiv "-

  the configuration of the annular seal before the insertion of a - be, when the tube is introduced into the coupling device and when the fingers are pushed so as to release the tube,

  FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a portion of a metal plate

  which has been coupled to illustrate a phase of the manufacturing process

  of the retaining ring used in the context of the present invention.

  Figures 7 and 7a are respectively plan and side views showing the tips of the fingers, and illustrating another step of the process of

  manufacture of the retaining ring used in the context of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a device for folding the cut fingers into the metal plate shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and illustrates another phase of the manufacturing process of this retaining ring,

  Figures 9 and 10 schematically represent the device

  putting into shape the circular portion of the retaining ring, realizes

  by the application of the metal plate against a circular shape, FIG. 11 represents a greatly enlarged top view of a part of the retaining ring used in the context of the present invention and illustrating the shape of the circular part,

  Figure 12 shows a partial sectional view along the lines of

  12-12 of FIG. 1, showing part of a perfective retaining ring

  used in the context of the present invention and housed in the opening

  Fig. 13 shows a side view of a finger of the retaining ring; Fig. 14 shows a sectional view along the lines 14-14 of Fig. 13; 1 of the retaining ring, the unlocking sleeve and the pipe having been removed to facilitate understanding of the drawing and to illustrate the end portions of the fingers, FIG. 15 shows a partial plan view similar to that of FIG. 14, but where the fingers are supported against each other, the

  that they were bent over the fold line of the inner ends

  as shown in FIG. Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment of the end sections of the fingers of the retaining ring, in accordance with the present invention and prior to the flattening phase of the ends during the FIG. 17 shows a plan view similar to that of FIG.

  16, but illustrating these fingers after the rolling operation of the sections of ex-

  tremity of the fingers of the retaining ring.

  In the first place, it will be noted that the coupling device of the pre-

  This invention is particularly useful for coupling tubes or

  of all types of synthetic material, and therefore the present invention.

  This invention will be described with reference to such tubes or conduits. However, we

  will take that this device can also be used in connection with tubes

  in copper or aluminum. Additionally, it will be noted that the present invention

  tion is particularly useful for coupling tubes or conduits used in hydraulic or pneumatic equipment to perform automatic operations, in which the coupling device constitutes an element of

  junction between two tubes or ducts or a junction between a tube and a com-

  hydraulic or pneumatic installation of said equipment. However, the invention is not

  not limited to this type of use.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the coupling device according to the invention is coupled or connected to a semi-rigid synthetic material pipe 10. The coupling device 12 comprises an adjusting piece, or body 14, made of a suitable material to fit to a connection either to another conduit or to a component of a pneumatic or hydraulic system. These others

  connections are well known and do not require a detailed description,

  although it will be noted that if the adjusting piece 14, at the other end, is at

  connect to a tube similar to the tube 10, the other end of the adjustment piece

  stage 14 will be similarly mounted and will have the same components as

  the end shown in FIG. 1.

  As shown in fig. 1, the adjusting piece 14 comprises a

  16 wise communication with a source of fluid. An opening 18 communicates the outside of the adjusting piece 14 with the bore 16.

  the device represented by FIG. 1, the opening 18 comprises a series of a-

  concentric machining of diameters progressively enlarged in the direction of the top of the adjusting part 14. Although this arrangement is advantageous

  to constitute stops or shoulders for different components intended

  born to be inserted into the fitting, the present invention requires only an opening 18 whose diameter is greater than that of the bore 16 of communication with the fluid source, to accommodate different

  other components of the coupling device 12 which will be described in greater detail.

tail below. -

  In the opening 18 is housed a retaining ring 20 having a series 7. of axial fingers 22 directed downwards, which are arranged along

  the circumference of an annular portion 24 and supported by the latter.

  The retaining ring 20 is entirely self-supporting inside the opening 18. In other words, no shoulder is provided in the side wall defining the opening 18, to allow the support of complementary shoulders.

  24. On the contrary, the surface of the annular part

  24 is substantially concentric with the outer surface of the fingers 22 at their upper end, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The particular manner in which the retaining ring 20 is supported in the opening 18 and the method of manufacture of this ring will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12. For the moment, it is sufficient

  to specify that the annular or circular portion 24 comprises a series of

  these planes 25, which are folded or curved at different points distributed along the circumference of the ring 24 which will have a polygonal shape and

  will be in the form of a circular multi-faceted coin.

  Each of the fingers 22 has a first section gradually

  cline 28 extending downwardly from the circular portion 24, and a se; d

  section 30 inclined simultaneously with respect to the first section 28 and

  to the circular portion 24. The gradually inclined section 28 serves to direct the tips or ends 26 of the fingers 22 inwardly bearing on the tube 10, and serves to generate a force of stress directed towards

  the inside of the fingers 22 to bring the tips 26 of these fingers into contact with

  and on the pipe 10, when it has been introduced into the opening 18 in the direction of the bore 16. For this purpose, the inside diameter, defined by the

  points of support26, is smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe 10.

  The coupling device 12 also comprises a release sleeve

  36 (see Figures 1, 3 and 4), which is positioned inside the frame

  retainer 20 mounted in the opening 18. The release sleeve 36

  has a generally cylindrical shape and has a flange 38 directed towards the outside.

  and disposed at its upper end. The outer diameter of the sleeve 36 is smaller than the inside diameter of the circular portion 24 of the retaining ring 20, so that the unlocking sleeve 36 can move.

  axially, freely, through this part. Surface 40, at the end

  The bottom of the unlocking sleeve 36 is rounded and bevelled so that axial downward movement of the sleeve 36 results in the soft support.

  of this surface 40 on the second inclined section 30 of the fingers 22, and pushing

  these fingers 22 radially outwardly to allow the release of the tube 10 and its removal from the fitting part 14. For this purpose, as the

  preferably shows FIG. 4, the lower end 40 of the release sleeve

  rusting 36 only applies to the second inclined portion 30 of the fingers 22

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  and slide down along these sections, when the sleeve 36 is

  place it axially downwards, in order to clear the spikes.

  this unlocking movement, the lower end of the first section

  21 is moved radially outward while remaining concentric

  the outer surface of the annular portion 24. For this purpose, the adjusting piece 14 may include a stop surface to prevent the fingers 22

  are subject to undue stress. According to a pre-existing embodiment

  ferential, the stop surface has a bevelled surface against which

  the lower end of the first inclined section 28 of the fingers 22 comes

  bear when these fingers are pushed outward (see Fig. 5c).

  At the upper end of the unlocking sleeve 36 is

  a control ring 42 which is engaged by force in the sleeve 36. The diameter

  the outside of the control ring 42 is slightly greater than the inside diameter.

  the unlocking sleeve 36, so that the two parts can be force-fitted into one another. At the lower end of the control ring 42, the outer surface may be slightly tapered to allow the initial insertion of this ring into the unlocking sleeve 36, where

  the inner surface of the unlocking sleeve 36 may be slightly conical

  than by opening upwards to facilitate this insertion. In any case, a rapid assembly of the two components 36 and 42 makes it possible to generate a sufficient force so that the unlocking sleeve 36 can be moved axially with the control ring 42, the two elements constituting a unitary unit. The upper end of the control ring 42 is provided with a flange 44 facing outwards, to form a sufficient surface on which it is possible to apply an axial force directed downwards, this

  force being transmitted directly to the unlocking sleeve 36 for the movement of

  axially downwards in order to act on the fingers.

  that the inside diameter of the unlocking sleeve 36 and the compression ring

  Mande 42 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the tube or conduit 10,

  to allow the insertion of this tube into the opening 18.

  Preferably, a shoulder 46 is formed at the inlet of the bore 16, to generate a stop for the tube 10 when it is introduced into the opening 18 in the direction of the bore 16. The shoulder 46 is positioned axially below the sections 26 of the fingers 22, so that the tube 10 can be introduced deep enough into the opening 18

  to prevent axial movement out of the opening 18. According to the

  this shoulder 46 is not essential for the proper functioning of the-

  according to the invention, but constitutes advantageous means for guaranteeing

  shot that the tube 10 is gripped by the fingers 22; To seal between the bore 16 and the outside of the tube

9-2473152

  to ensure a tight connection, an annular seal 32

  is housed in the opening 18 in an axial position lying between the end

  of the bore 16 and the spikes 26. More particularly, the seal of

  Ring seal 32 has a fluid-tight ring seal which bears against the outer wall of the tube 10 inserted into the opening 18 and

  through the bore 16, and the inner wall of the opening 18. Preferably

  Preferably, the annular seal 32 comprises an O-ring made of a suitable rubber or other suitable flexible material, which has a hardness sufficient to remain in contact with the outer surface of the tube 10 and the wall of the opening 18, but which is flexible enough to deform

  when subjected to the pressure of a fluid brought into communication with the

damage 16.

  In accordance with the present invention, the flexible O-ring 32

  is positioned in such a way that when subject to the pressure of a

  fluid brought into the bore 16, it exerts a force directed axially outwardly of the adjusting member 14, and the device comprises means which are in contact with the O-ring 32 and associated with the fingers 22 forced inwards to increase the force acting on the fingers 22 in response to an axial force exerted on the O-ring 32. Preferably,

  these means, being in contact with the O-ring 32, comprise sur-

  faces 34 inclined radially inward and arranged on the second section.

  inclined portion 30 of each finger 22, these surfaces being supported on the gasket

  32 when an axial force is exerted on it, and serve to

  the stresses acting on the fingers 22 to hold these fingers in contact with each other.

  tact with the tube 10. This increase in the force of stress directed towards

  the interior is facilitated by the fact that the ends of the fingers 22,

  both the aggressive ends 26, are spaced from the wall of the opening 18, so that the O-ring 32 is deformable when subjected to the pressure of the fluid in the bore 16, this deformation is done in space

  33 delimited by the fingers 22 and the wall of the opening 18, and having as a re-

  try to force the fingers 22 inwards. For this purpose, the O-ring 32 preferably has a hardness of between fifty and seventy-six durometers for a pressure of the order of 250 psi. However, for more pressures

  large, use a harder o-ring.

  It is obvious that the space 33 is not large enough to allow the gasket 32 to disengage from the outer surface of the tube 10, which would cause fluid leakage at the O-ring 32.

  purpose, the seal 32, disposed below the fingers 22, is maintained in the immediate vicinity of

  diate fingers 22 by the shoulder 35 of the adjusting piece 14, at the end

  bottom of the opening 18. This design of the coupling device 12, se-

10.

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  which the fingers 22 rest on the tube 10 and the O-ring 32 is

  subjected to pressure in the bore 16, and deformed in the space 33 to form a

  the fingers 22 radially inwards, is particularly illustrated

in fig. 1.

  As a result of this increase in the force of restraint

  on the fingers 22, the risk that these fingers emerge from the tube 10 ac-

  of course, following a thrust on the unlocking sleeve 36 and / or following vibrations, is greatly reduced. It will be noted that this decrease

  the risk of accidental decoupling is related to the presence of the fluid under pres-

  in the bore 16, which is an interesting advantage because

These conditions are precisely fulfilled when it is important that such a deduction

not be able to take place.

  In addition, the O-ring 32 is preferably in contact with the ends 26 of the fingers 22 permanently, in particular before the insertion of the tube 10, when the tube 10 has been inserted and is held in position by the fingers 22 and that the seal is ensured by the seal 32, and when the fingers have been moved radially outwards due to an action on the sleeve

  release device 36, for releasing the tube 10 to remove it from the disc

  coupling positive 12. The particular configuration of the O-ring32, in each of these positions, is respectively represented by FIGS. 5a, 5b and c. It will be noted for this purpose that the O-ring 32 has a uniformly circular cross-section before insertion into the tube 10 (see FIG.

  is slightly deformed when the tube 10 has been introduced (see Fig. 5b). Lors-

  that the O-ring 32 is subject to pressure exerted by the fluid being

  In the bore 16, the O-ring 32 further deforms, thereby increasing the radial stress force exerted on the fingers 22, as the O-ring 32 sits on the inclined surfaces 34.

  Finally, when the fingers 22 have been retracted for releasing

  the tube 10 (see Fig. 5c), the O-ring 32 continues to be deformed by

  the action of the fingers 22 and the tube 10.

  The fact that the O-ring 32 is constantly in contact with the fingers 22 increases on the one hand the force of stress acting on the fingers 22 when this seal is subjected to the pressure of the fluid in the bore 16, and on the other hand is a safety guarantee that the tube 10 is in place and that its connection is sealed. In particular, because the O-ring 32 and the fingers 22 are in contact when the tube 10 is inserted and pressed axially in the coupling device 12, beyond the fingers 22, the tube 10 also projects beyond the O-ring 32 and is in tight contact with him. As a result, only one resistance to insertion will be encountered at

  22 and the O-ring 32. This arrangement contrasts with the arrangements

he. 73152

  of the prior art where this introduction ran into a series of revisions

  resistances. For example, in the devices of the prior art, if the joint to-

  was located axially below the fingers, the tube encountered

  first the resistance of the fingers and then the resistance due to the

  than. Consequently, it happened in the prior art that even though a tube

  had been inserted and had passed the fingers, it was not

  by the O-ring. In contrast, according to the present invention, the tube 10 will simultaneously extend the fingers 22 and the O-ring 32, so that only a resistance is opposed to it until it is locked in position and

connected tightly.

  As shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 3, the unlocking sleeve 36 has, at its adjacent lower end, spikes 26, a bead or bulge 48 located on the inner surface of this

  piece, and intended to be in contact with the tube 10. According to a form of embodiment

  In a preferred embodiment, the continuous bead 48 is defined by two gradually inclined and opposite surfaces 50 and 51 which extend all around the periphery of the unlocking sleeve 36 at a determined axial height. The

  bottom surface 52 extends radially outward to define the former

  rounded lower end 40 of the unlocking sleeve 36, and is arranged to bear on the second inclined portion 30 of the retaining ring 20. This

  arrangement is advantageous because the unlocking sleeve 36 is uni-

  while bearing on the second inclined section 30 and not on the points 26, this

  which could possibly damage them.

  This continuous bead 48, integral with the unlocking sleeve 36, is particularly advantageous for more than one reason. Firstly, the bead 48 completely surrounds the sleeve 36, which makes it possible to center and align the tube 10 with respect to the fingers 22, and also serves to round the tube 10 which

  may optionally present, originally, an oval cross section.

  This shaping of the tube 10, at the tips 26, is particularly important to ensure that these tips 26 are in contact with the tube all around its circumference, and additionally to ensure that the tube 10 is circular at the of his contact with the O-ring 32 which is

  immediately below the points 26. This characteristic is ex-

  important when the tubes or ducts 10, which are inserted into

  the adjusting part 14, are made of a synthetic material particular-

  soft, such as vinyl, which tends to flatten over time.

  As a result, the risk of leakage, when using tubes made of soft synthetic materials such as vinyls, is reduced by the presence of

bead 48.

  Furthermore, the bead 48, disposed at the lower end of the unlocking sleeve 36, is important to allow release of pressure or force. at the end of the control ring 42, because this force is applied in one place all around the circumference of the tube 10. If the bead 48 was not continuous, there would be too much clearance between the tube 10 and the unlocking sleeve 36, so that if the pressure was applied in a single point on the control ring 42, the sleeve

  command 36 could move sideways with the risk of not being

  contact with all the fingers 22 all around the circumference of the tube.

  Moreover, thanks to the fact that the bead 48 is formed at the lower end

  sleeve 36, the tube or duct 10 constitutes a guide for the displacement

axial direction of the sleeve 36.

  According to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the bead 48 is located in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube

  -10. However, the plane containing the bead 48 could be oriented differently.

  close and form an angle with respect to the axis of the tube 10 (the axial position

  the bead could vary around the circumference of the sleeve

  lock 36). Such an arrangement could be advantageous for simplifying the problems of tolerances at the inside diameter of the bead 48, and

  could facilitate insertion of the tube 10 through this bead. In particular

  to bind, by inclining the bead 48, the tube 10 would not undergo the complete effect

  the reduced diameter of the bead 48 in a single axial position, but encountered

  would put this bead on a certain height. As a result, the tube 10 could be moved and rotated in one direction, its movement being guided by the section

  reduced diameter constituted by the bead 48.

  Whereas in the device represented by fig. 1, the tube is

  made of a synthetic material (eg synthetic material hard, semi-

  rigid or flexible), to allow the deformation of the tube when inserted through the continuous bead 48 of the unlocking sleeve 36, and that this sleeve is made of metal, in practice, the tube 10 may also be metal, to which case it would be desirable to use a synthetic material to

  in this case, it is the bead con-

  tinu 48 which is slightly deformed at the time of insertion of the tube 10 if its

  section is not-absolutely circular.

  The lower end of the opening 18 of the adjusting piece 14

  is initially provided with an upstanding collar 56 to allow

  in the opening 18, the O-ring 32, the retaining ring 20 and

  of the unlocking sleeve 36. In particular, the O-ring 32 is of

  edge inserted in the opening 18 and moved down against the shoulder 35, in the vicinity of the lower end of the opening 18. Then, the ring of

  retainer 20 is inserted over the O-ring 32 and is brought into position.

13. 2473152

  in such a way that the fingers 22 are directly above the

O-ring 32.

  The retaining ring 20, as will be described in more detail below.

  below, is freestanding inside the opening 18 of the adjus-

  14. That is, no preformed shoulder is required to position and hold the retaining ring 20 in place.

  restraint can be simply introduced into the opening (using a machine

  or an appropriate tool) and brought into its position during this meeting.

  blage, which position she will keep afterwards. After the retaining ring

  20 has been introduced, a lip 58 formed in the lateral surface of the

  18, is folded radially inwards to prevent the

  However, it should be noted that this lip 58 is not necessary as mentioned below. Then, the unlocking sleeve 36, assembled to the control ring 42, is inserted

  inside the retaining ring 20. After the insertion of all the components

  In the opening 18, the neck 56 of the adjusting piece is folded inwards and downwards in order to block the components housed in the opening 18. It will be noted, with reference to FIG. 1, that the upper flange 44 of the control ring 42 is positioned axially above the neck 56

folded.

  The improved retaining ring 20 having fingers 22

  having an inwardly directed constraint as shown in FIG. 2.

  can be manufactured in a way that allows a considerable gain in

  manufacturing costs. According to the prior art, the retaining rings

  are generally manufactured in a manner

  edge a cup-shaped member from a metal plate by rolling, bending and shaping the metal. After this step, the bottom and the lateral sides

  of this blank are cut and stamped to form an annular piece to

  which are attached fingers. The fingers can then be curved radially

  towards the inside or, if the sides of the cup are initially sufficiently

  inclined, this operation is not required. This type of manufacturing

  traine a substantial loss of metal. In fact, it has been found that these methods

  The weight of the finished retaining ring was approximately 25% of the weight of the initial blank. According to the manufacturing method as described below, only 20% of additional material is needed relative to the weight of the completed part. This percentage is substantially less than 300% of additional material by weight

  of the manufactured part, which was required according to the methods of the prior art.

laughing.

  In addition to this advanced manufacturing process,

14. 2 473152

  The restraint system is itself perfected and has many

  Advantageous ticks relative to the retaining rings according to the prior art.

  Before describing these different advantages, the manufacturing process

  of the retaining ring 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6

at 12.

  With reference to FIG. 6, a flat metal blank is cut to produce a series of elongated fingers 72 which are integral with the part

  73. This cutting can for example be done by cutting or es-

  tamping using conventional tools or stamps, so as to achieve a

  a series of parallel grooves 74 extending from an edge of the metal strip

  70, inward towards the opposite edge 76, but not over the entire width of this band. Similarly, the ends 78 of the elongated fingers 72 have been cut to form a tip 79. These end portions 78 are intended to form the tips 26 of the retaining ring 20. As the

  shows fig. 6, because of the proximity of the fingers 72, the only loss of

  tal is due to the cutting of the grooves 74. As mentioned above, this loss

  is about 20%) relative to the remaining area after cutting.

  With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7a, the tips 78 of the fingers 72 are flattened by hammering or compression between two stamping members, so that the thickness of the metal blank 70, at the tips 78, is less than the thickness of the other parts. This phase causes the extension of the surface of the tips and their modification of shape, as indicated by the

  reference 80, and allows the aggressive tips of the fingers 72 to be made.

  additionally, it will be noted that the tips 78 of the fingers 72 comprise sur-

  opposed surfaces substantially flat or flat, which converge towards each other towards the tip 78. This differs from the peaks of the prior art which

  are curved along the length of the fingers 72.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the blank cut and pressed 70 is trans-

  at a folding station comprising male and female stamping members

  82 and 84, which serve to bend and bend the fingers 72 out of the plane of the

  flat upper part 73. The outline 70, as it appears before

  bending is represented by a broken line in FIG. 8. At the folding station, the upper edge 73 of the blank 70 remains flat, and the segments 86 of the fingers 72 are curved or inclined gradually relative to each other.

  on the flat surface of section 73. Due to the continuous displacement of

  82 and 84 relative to each other, the ends 88 of the fingers 72 are

  more inclined with respect to ktronçors86 and section 73. The pre-

  In the case of the blank 70, when it leaves the bending station, it is represented by a solid line in FIG. 8 and corresponds to the shape of the fingers 22 of the retaining ring 20, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, sectors 86 15.

  and 88 respectively corresponding to sections 28 and 30. It should be noted that in

  the cutting, flattening and curvature of the metal blank 70, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 can be performed in sequence

  on a continuous metal band, which is then cut to the desired length.

  read before the next folding operation. When the fingers 72 are inclined with respect to the plane portion 73, the metal blank is transferred to a folding or placing station.

  form which is shown schematically in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case,

  the metal blank 70, the length of which substantially corresponds to the

  circumference of the completed retaining ring, is first bent or incur-

  around its midpoint, by pressing on a 90-shaped male of circular shape.

  by means of a female die 92, in order to fold the sector 73 into a U-shaped piece, shown in phantom in FIG. 9. During this folding operation, the inclined fingers 72 are directed downward below the male stamp 90. Consequently, only the

  sector 73 of the blank 70 is folded around the circular male stamp 90. When

  that the sector 73 has the shape of a U, two lateral female stamps 93 and 94 complete the folding of the ends of this blank 70 around the circular mixed stamp 90, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10, so that

  Sector 73 adapts its circular shape.

  The completed retaining ring 20 is shown in perspective in FIG. 2, the circular portion 73 corresponding to the annular piece 24, and

  the fingers 72 corresponding to the fingers 22. As mentioned, during the operation

  Final folding ration around the male circular stamp 90, the sector 73 of the metal blank 70 reaches a closed circular shape. However, in reality, the circular portion 24 consists of a series of plane facets 96, which are bent or curved at 25 in different locations around the

  the circumference of the retaining ring 20. In other words, instead of

  a continuous circular circumference, part 24 is in fact a po-

  lygonale. As shown in fig. 2, the 96 sides of the 24 part define

  a series of angles25, which lie in the extension of the grooves 74

  between adjacent fingers 22. As a result, the resistance of the cir-

  The eyelet 24 is reduced in the zones disposed in the extension of the grooves 74 separating the adjacent fingers 22. Consequently, during the folding of the piece around the male circular stamp 90, the folds are formed in the zones having a reduced resistance, that is to say, in the extension of the grooves 74, which makes it possible to obtain the polygonal or multifaceted section of the

finite retaining ring 20.

  This particular shape of the circular piece 24 is particularly

  advantageously to produce a self-supporting retaining ring. As

16. 2473152

  shows it more particularly FIG. 11, we can define an imaginary circle

  100 having a diameter D1, which passes through all the outer corners 25 of the circular portion 24. The diameter D1 is greater than the diameter D2 of a

  another imaginary circle 102, which passes tangentially to the midpoints

  places 99 facets 96. If the diameters D1 and D2 of the circles 100 and 102

  are such that the diameter D1 is greater than the inside diameter D3 of the

  18 of the adjusting part 14, and if the diameter D2 is smaller than the

  diameter D3 of the opening 18, the retaining ring 20 will be self-supporting when

  they will be introduced in the opening 18.

  To insert the retaining ring 20 in the opening 18, the angles

  or corners 25 of the portion 24 of the ring 20 must be compressed to the inside.

  laughing. This causes a slight distortion of the circular portion 24, such

  that the mid-points 99 of the facets 96 are slightly curved toward the outside.

  TER AL. In other words, the insertion of the retaining ring 20 into the opening--

  turel8, requires a temporary modification of the circular portion 24 in the direction of a more circular shape. When the circular portion 24 tends to return to its initial position, the wedges 25 exert an outwardly directed radial force, which is sufficient to retain the retaining ring in axial position in the opening 18. The difference between the diameters D1 the imaginary circle 100 and the diameter D2 of the opening 18 may be only of the order of 0.0254 to 0.1016 mm (corresponding to 0.001 to 0.004 inches),

  when the diameter D3 is of the order of 12.7 mm (which corresponds to 5

  these). As a result, the radial compression, which forces the retaining ring 20

  to give it a more circular shape, serves to lock the ring 20 in position

  axially within the opening 18.

  In addition, it should be noted that the force exerted by the corners 25 will be more

  evenly distributed around the circumference of the opening 18, if the

  The number of the facets 96, and therefore the number of the corners 25, increases. For this purpose, it will be noted that the number of facets 96 is increased when increasing

  the number of fingers 22. For example, it was found that it was

  use a retaining ring 20 having at least eight fingers 22 and preferably at least sixteen fingers, as shown in FIG. 2. In

  Consequently, it is not necessary to make additional shoulders

  in the opening 18 and the ring 20 to retain it.

  As mentioned previously, the retaining ring 20 is self-supporting

  in the opening 18, thanks to the support of the annular portion 24 on the wall

  the opening of the opening 18, and thanks to the spring effect generated by the wedges 25

  which bear radially against the wall of the adjusting part 14. Addition-

  nally, when the retaining ring is made from a sheet of brass as described above, and when the adjustment piece is itself

17. 2473152

  made of brass (which is the material conventionally used for

  the coupling devices), the insertion of the retaining ring 20 into the

  18 of the adjusting part 14, by means of tools or machines suitable for

  As a result, scrapes of the inner wall of the aperture 18 create projections near the corners 25 of the retaining ring 20. These projections serve to lock the retaining ring 20 axially in the aperture

  18 and prevent this ring from moving later in the opening 18.

  As a result, the normal forces applied to the tube 10 at the time of its insertion, can not cause a subsequent displacement of the retaining ring in the opening 18, because of the projections which form stops. More particularly, during the production of the retaining ring 20, small protruding elements (not shown) disposed along the outer edge of the circular portion 24 may be obtained at points between the attachment points of the fingers 22 at the annular portion 24, by

  example at the angles 25. These small prominent elements are pre-

  of small barbures in the process

  cutting fingers 72 from a flat metal band 70.

  As the metal strip 70 is stamped, small burrs are formed on one side of the metal strip 70 (especially on the opposite side to the cutting tool). These small barbs are slightly prominent relative to the surface of the metal strip 70. These barbs are not removed during

  bending operations, which make it possible to shape the retaining ring

  nude 20, so that this ring presents a series of small proemi-

  on the outer surface of the circular part 24, in particular the

  22. If these barbs are located on the edge of the

  outer face of the finished retaining ring, the force insertion of the

  20 in the opening 18 of the adjusting member 14 causes scratches along the inner wall of the part 14, these scratches having the shape of small grooves which generate projections on which the parts of the edges of the

  circular part 24, arranged between the fingers 22, come to bear.

  This series of protrusions generate stops which prevent movement

  subsequent cementing of the retaining ring 20 into the opening 18 in the direction of

  Boring 16. It should be noted that the machines or tools, which force the ring of

  held 20 in the opening 18, apply a force greater than that which is

  normally generated on this ring when a pipe 10 is inserted.

  It should be noted that this effect of creating stop-stops, which

  define the limits of the insertion of the retaining ring 20 into the opening

  18, is independent of the support force which makes it possible, at the corners 25,

  lean against the inner wall of the adjusting piece 14 (due to differences

18. 2473152

  differences in diameters between the imaginary circles 100 and 102). In fact, a

  such series of stops, on the walls of the fitting part 14,

  be generated by the insertion of a circular retaining ring 20, if

  small prominent parts were projected along the outer surface of the

  of the annular part of the retaining ring, at points arranged

between the fingers 22.

  In addition to the fact that the retaining ring is self-supporting in

  the opening 18 of the adjusting piece 14, the retaining ring 20 also has

  a number of other advantages over retaining rings

  known. It is particularly important in the context of this

  tion, that the sections 26, at the ends of the fingers 22, are particularly

  smoothly and have no burrs likely to scratch the tube 10 at the time of its insertion into the fitting part 14. This means that the tips 26 must have very smooth edges, on which the tube 10 can easily slide without being scratched or streaked. This smooth edge is obtained by

  cutting and crushing operations carried out during the manufacturing process.

cation of the retaining ring 20.

  More particularly, in accordance with the manufacturing process of

  previously written, the flat metal blank 70 is initially cut to form a series of grooves 74 defining the fingers 72. The cutting operation would normally leave small burrs on one of the edges of the cut piece. For example, referring to FIG. 7a, if the plane blank was cut by means of a suitable cutting tool moving from the

  left to the right, the right edge of the cut blank 70 would normally have barbs. However, this cutting operation is performed

  on a flat plate that is relatively thin and that would normally leave fewer prominent parts on the back surface than those that would result from

  conventional cutting operation as it is used for the

  bridging of the retaining rings according to the prior art. In addition, it will be noted that during the crushing or flattening operation, the edge, with barbs, is supported by a back support and hammered on the left side, the crushed material extending outwardly over the back edge or

  right of the tips 78, which has the effect of reducing the barbs in the sur-

  lower side. As a result, the cutting operation of the plane blank 70,

  during manufacture, tends to reduce the amount of burrs, which

  This is particularly true when using materials such as brass to make the retaining ring, this material spreading easily when crushed. This extension of the material can be observed by comparing figs. 6 and 7, which respectively represent the shape of the tips 78 after

19. 2473152

  cutting, before and after the crushing operation.

  Note also that the retaining ring of the present ive "ti

  may be made of a material in the form of a flat plate.

  thin, as opposed to the retaining rings of the prior art c0 '. -

  The elasticity of the fingers 22 of the ring is greater than the elasticity of the prior art integral fingers which had relatively thick walls. However, the elastic force, forcing the fingers 22 radially towards the interior, is constantly important thanks to the presence of the O-ring acting on their ends, which is why the insertion of the tube 10 between the fingers 22, which is made in the present invention, tends to push these fingers more easily than those of the prior art, to give way to the tube

  without scratching the outer surface.

  Note also that each of the fingers 72 comprises a first section 86 which is bent out of the plane of the annular section 73, and a second inclined section 88 which is even more inclined relative to the plane of the part 73. Consequently, when the blank 70 has been rolled, the tips or ends 78 of the fingers 72 will be oriented radially inwards and therefore will be closer to each other than the spacing of the fingers 72 where these fingers are connected to the sector 73. This is because the fingers 72 are inclined radially inwards, the pegs

  78 of these fingers being less spaced apart from each other than the other

  of these fingers 72 along their length. The effect of this reduced spacing is illustrated in FIG. 14, which shows a partial plan view of the retaining ring, the tips 26 of a relatively large number of teeth being very

  close to each other, so as to form almost a solid ring in the

  sinire 26 points, although the space, separating the individual fingers 22 in the intermediate positions, is more important. This characteristic is advantageous in that it makes it possible to increase the holding force acting on

  the tube 10. This small spacing between the tips 26 of the fingers 22 is also

  important to retain the O-ring 32 in position under the fingers 22,

* at the time of introduction of the tube 10.

  On the other hand, the low spacing of the tips 26 is important to avoid or at least minimize the risk of accidental removal of the tube 10 from the fitting 14 due to different pressures exerted on the tube. For this purpose it will be noted that if a force were applied to the tube O10 in a direction ax'ae tending to extract it out of the fitting part 14, this

  This would tend to increase the folding of the fingers at the level of the

  tion of the two sections 28 and 30. If the fingers 22 were sufficiently esoacées one of the other. and if the force was large enough. the fingers 22 20.

20. 2473152

  could simply fall back upwards and adopt an inclined

  born, so that the tube would be released and could not be ejected from the room

Adjustment 14.

  On the other hand, in accordance with the present invention, the fingers are closely spaced relative to each other, so that a force,

  rigged upwards and applied to the tube, causes the fingers to move closer together.

  which come into contact with each other at a point situated ax: a-

  below the fold line which joins the sections 28 and 30, ee which reinforces the pressure exerted on the tube 10. Thus, if the fingers 22 are caused to fold along the junction between the sections 28 and 30, the tips are contiguous and constitute a closed ring bearing on the

tube 10.

  This is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 13 to 15. More

  in particular, FIG. 13 represents the normal position of the fingers 22 as shown in solid lines and the position of the fingers 22 when they have

  folded at a small angle, bringing them into contact with each other.

  very to form a closed ring. Fig. 14 is a plan view of a portion of the ends 26 of the fingers 22 of the ring 20, in which the fingers 22

  are in their normal position, the tips 26 being slightly spaced

  in relation to each other. Fig. 15 is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 14, but where the fingers 22 have been folded slightly towards

  the top, so that the tips 26 are in contact with each other.

  very. As shown in fig. 13, when the lower extremities of the fingers

  22 come into contact with each other, these fingers still remain

  downwards, the contact of the lower extremities of the fingers contributing

  to prevent further folding of the fingers 22 around the line of junctures

  sections 28 and 30, thereby reducing the risk of accidental

tube lace 10.

  This characteristic of the ends of the fingers22, coming into contact

  with each other when the fingers are folded up, also serves

  to limit the penetration of the tips 26 into the wall of the tube 10. More

  particularly, the spikes 26, when supported by one another

  port to others, prevent penetration of said tips into the wall of the tube 10. This is important to avoid a loss of sealing at the level of

tube.

  In this respect, it is preferable to provide a relatively

  with fingers 22, at least about eight or preferably at least sixteen for a 6.35 mm (inch) tube, although a greater number of fingers 22 is also acceptable. Although the lower extremities of

  fingers are preferably inclined at an angle P (see Fig. 13) having a

21. 2473152

  from 115 to 1600 and preferably at least 1450 + 50. As an example for the use of the device for 6.35 mm tubes, depending on the number of

  22 and the angle of inclination Y, the space between the fingers 72, at their

  upper calf, is preferably in the range of from 0.508 to 0.762 mm (0.020 to 0.030 inches) and preferably equal to 0.635 mm (0.025 inches), with a width per finger of 1.27 to 1.778 mm (0.050 to 0.070 inches) ) and preferably equal to

  1.448 mm (0.057 inches) for a retaining ring made of brass with

fate of 0.381 mm (0.015 inches).

  It is obvious that these parameters are likely to change depending on the materials used and the diameter of the tube. For example, if the tube has a diameter greater than 6.35 mm, it would be preferable to provide

a higher number of fingers.

  On the other hand, it should be noted that since the tips 26 form an angle with respect to the sides of the fingers 22, it is the lower ends of the sides of the fingers 22 which come into contact with one another to form a continuous ring and not the spikes themselves. This is preferable because the fingers 22 are wider at this point and therefore closer than the tips. At the same time, however, the tips 26 preferably have an anglec (see Fig. 14) from 150 to 450 (and preferably 300).

  so that the lateral sides will be slightly spaced radially

  port to the tube. In addition, with regard to this last point, the tips 26 of the fingers 22 preferably comprise a shoulder 26 'intended to limit

  the penetration or the bite of the tips 26 in the tube 10, which is particularly

  Particularly advantageous for tubes having a soft surface such as vinyl or polyethylene tubes. For this purpose, FIG. 16 is a greatly enlarged view of one of the points 78 after the stamping operation which

  formed the tips 78 and the shoulders 78 '. After the crash or flattening

  Finally, the tip 78 will have a shape as shown in FIG. 17, the tip 26 being attached to the fingers 22, but having a shoulder 26 'for limiting the penetration of the tip into the tube 10. It should be noted that if the fingers 22 are folded around the connecting line connecting the

  sections 28 and 30, the outer edges of the shoulders 261, and not the

  your 26, will come into contact with each other. The angle t, formed

  the lateral sides of the tip 26, is preferably between 70 and 1450, and preferably equal to 900. The fingers 22 preferably have a width equal to 1.448 mm for a tube of 6.55 mm in diameter, the shoulder 26 'have

  preferably each 0.210 mm (0.010 inches) wide.

  Thus, the retaining ring 20, according to the present invention, comprises a series of fingers 22 inclined radially inwards and spaced around the retaining ring 20, so that the ends of these fingers,

22. 2 473152

  adjacent to the ends 26, are curved or inclined radially towards the

  around a predetermined line, along which these fingers are in contact with each other, this line being in an axial position disposed below the line of junction. Such folding of the fingers 22 results in the formation of a continuous ring arranged all around the circle.

  tube 10, and prevents the fingers 22 from bending beyond the

  junction, and eliminates the risk of accidental removal of the tube. In this

  the number of fingers 22, the space between the fingers, the values of the

  P and, -, points 26, are factors which can be modified

  depending on the diameter of the tube used.

  Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved coupling device 12 for connecting a tube or conduit 10. The tube 10 is inserted through a control ring 42 and an unlocking sleeve 36 into the opening of an adjustment piece 14 of this device

  coupling. The end of the tube 10 is force-fitted through a recess

  device 48 disposed on the inner surface of the release sleeve

  rusting 36, below the tips 26 of the fingers 22 of the retaining ring

  disposed in the opening 18, and through an annular seal 32.

  The fingers 22 are normally constrained inward, so that the tips 26 hold the tube 10 and prevent it from moving axially in the adjusting piece 14. If it is desired to remove the tube 10 out of the room

  14, the control ring 42 is depressed, which causes a displacement

  corresponding sleeve of the unlocking sleeve 36 to which it is connected.

  which moves axially downwards. The lower end 40 of the unlocking sleeve 36 comes into contact with the inclined surfaces 30 of the fingers 22, and forces these fingers 22 radially outwardly, so that

  that the tips 26 release the tube 10. While the unlocking sleeve

  lage 36 is held in its lower position, the tube 10 is simply removed from the fitting. For this purpose, the bulge 48 of the release sleeve 36 serves to maintain the alignment of the tube 10 relative to the fingers 22 and ensures that an unlocking force, even axial, can not

to be applied to the fingers 22.

  When the tube 10 is initially inserted into the coupling device 12, the O-ring 32 serves to prevent any leakage of fluid between the bore 16, the adjusting member 14 and the tube 10. When the O-ring 32 is subject to the pressure of the fluid in the bore 16, it serves to increase the force of stress exerted by the fingers 22 to hold the tube 10 in place. The O-ring 32 also causes the fingers 22 to generate only one line of resistance on the tube 10, at the time of its insertion into the coupling device 12, which ensures that this tube will be both locked

23. 2473152

  and sealed after this resistance has been defeated.

  The retaining ring 20 according to the present invention comprises a

  circular piece 24 with multiple facets, to which are attached a

  The dimensions of the portion 24 are such that the diameter of an imaginary circle 100, passing through the corners, is inwardly biased, adjacent to the facets 96 of the portion 24 and defining a series of wedges 25. 25, is greater than the diameter of the portion of the opening 18 against which it is supported. The diameter of an imaginary circle 102, passing

  by the mid-points 99 of the facets 96, is smaller than the diameter of the

  18. In this way, the retaining ring 20 is self-supporting in the opening 18, because the angles 25 bear on the side wall

of this opening.

  The retaining ring also has protruding portions 24 disposed between the fingers 22, and which are intended to scratch the inner wall of the adjusting member 14 during insertion, to define projections constituting stops which prevent the subsequent displacement of the retaining ring 20 towards the bore 16. This eliminates the need to make shoulders or stops in the opening, to define the

  position and hold the retaining ring in the assembly.

  According to another characteristic of the present invention, the fingers

  22 have points 26 with opposing flat surfaces, which are sen-

  are flat and have very smooth angles, so as not to scratch the surface of the tube 10 during insertion. For this purpose, the fingers 22

  have rectangular cross sections throughout their height.

  Since the retaining ring 20 has been made from a plane metal blank 70 cut, crushed, folded and rolled to give it an annular shape, the fingers 22 have the elastic properties necessary to retain the

tube 10 without scraping it.

  In addition, the fingers 22 are spaced and inclined radially inwardly relative to each other, so that if these fingers are subjected to an axial force tending to fold them around a predetermined fold line they take support on each other over the tips

  26. In this way, the retaining ring 20 is locked in position to re-

  hold the tube 10, even if it is subjected to a great force of pressure

  to eject it out of the fitting part.

  Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention

  has been described, it will be easy to understand that different modifications may

  38 can be brought without departing from the spirit of this invention.

24. 2473152

Claims (23)

  1. Coupling device disconnectable for a pipe, this device   comprising an adjusting piece in which a bore is formed, and having an opening in said bore for accommodating the end of the pipe, said opening having a first end adjacent to said bore and a second end open to the outside of said piece adjustment; a ring of   held in this opening and having a series of axial fingers   stresses inwards, so as to bear on the tube when it is inserted into the fitting through the bore, so that the tube is   retained axially in said adjusting piece; and unlocking means   to radially push back the series of fingers in order to disengage the tube,   characterized in that the retaining ring (20) comprises a multi-faceted circular piece (24) connected to said series of fingers (22), and   the adjacent facets (96) define a series of wedges (25), the dimensions   multi-faceted circular coin sions being such that-the diameter   an imaginary circle (100) passing through said corners is greater than the diameter   meter of the part of the opening (18) against which it is supported before the retaining ring is inserted into said opening, and the dimensions of said multi-faceted circular piece being also such that the   diameter of an imaginary circle (102), passing through the contact points tan-   giaux (99) facets (96), less than the diameter of said portion of   the opening (18) before the retaining ring is inserted into this opening.   ture, so that the retaining ring is held in said portion of said opening only by the support of said wedges against the side wall of   said opening, when this retaining ring is inserted into this opening. ture.   2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said bore may be connected to a fluid source, characterized in that it comprises an annular seal (32) disposed in said opening in an axial position located between said fingers and said first end. said opening,   to bear on the tube (10) and the wall of said opening for   seal between said tube and said adjusting piece when the tube is introduced therein, said annular seal being arranged to exert a force according to   an axial direction, oriented towards said second end of said opening   when said annular seal is subjected to the pressure of the communicating fluid.   as with said bore (16), and towards the bearing members (30) and / or (34) which are in contact with said annular seal, integral with said constrained fingers   towards the inside and intended to increase the force exerted by these fingers, in re-   response to an axial force exerted by said annular seal.   39 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the support members 25 comprise inclined sectors (34) integral with said fingers, these sectors being oriented inwardly so as to constrain said fingers radially inwardly, when subjected to an axial force directed towards the second end of said opening, these inclined sectors being arranged to bear on the annular seal when the latter is   subjected to a pressure by the fluid communicating with said bore.   4. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in   said support members comprise sectors (30) of said retaining ring fingers spaced radially from the wall (15) of said opening, said annular seal being deformable in the space (33) delimited by said   sectors (30) and said wall, so as to generate a directed force   dialing inwards and exerted on said fingers, when the   nular is subjected to pressure by the fluid in communication with said bore.   5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that each of the fingers has chunk-shaped sections   fes (26), respectively disposed at their ends to rely on said   pipe, these claw-shaped sections converging towards one another at the end of said fingers.   6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said fingers comprise sections with sensitive surfaces   sibly planes over the entire length of these sections.   7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the   releasing means comprise an unlocking sleeve (36) housed in the   the retaining ring in said opening, said release sleeve   rust being movable axially relative to said retaining ring, to bear directly on said fingers when moved axially   towards these fingers, in order to radially push these fingers towards the outside.   to release said tube, and said unlocking sleeve having an integral bead (48) disposed around the inner circumference of said sleeve and made of the same material as it, said bead being arranged to bear on the inner surface of the pipe ( 10) When the pipe is   inserted through said opening in said fitting member, and said bead   relet being located near the end of the unlocking sleeve   intended to bear on said fingers.   8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it com-   carries sealing means (32) axially disposed in said opening   between said fingers and said bore (16), to support both the   said pipe and said inner wall of this opening when a pipe is inserted through these annular sealing means, said sealing means 26. 2 4 73152   annular and said bead (48) cooperating to seal between   said pipe and said fitting part.   9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims.   characterized in that each of said fingers of said retaining ring comprises a first inclined section (30) at its end, said section being oriented radially inwardly from a predetermined location, the position of which   axis is between the ends (26) of said fingers and said annular   multi-faceted wire, and said fingers being separated from each other by a predetermined distance, so as to bear against each other when   are curved radially inwards, and in such a way as to prevent   complementary interior.   10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that each   each of the fingers comprises a second inclined section (28), this section being inclined   born radially inwards from a point disposed between said first   predetermined axial position and said multi-faceted circular ple.   11. Device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized   in that the ends of each of the fingers comprise a bevelled section   terminating in a point (26) or (78).   12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the fingers comprises a shoulder (26 ') formed on the first section   inclined said fingers, between said tip and said predetermined axial position.   undermined. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that   the angle between said shoulder and said tip is between 70 and 1450.   14. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 13,   characterized in that said beveled tip has an angle of between 150 and 450.   15. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 14,   characterized in that said first inclined portion is inclined radially inwardly at an angle of between 1150 and 1600 with respect to said second inclined section.   Device according to one of claims 9 to 15,   characterized in that said predetermined spacing between said fingers is kills between 0.508 and 0.762 mm.   17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16,   characterized in that said multi-faceted circular piece has   a discontinuous surface around its circumference.   18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,   characterized in that the number of facets of the faceted circular piece 27. 2 4 7315 2   multiples is the number of fingers attached to it.   19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18,   characterized in that the number of fingers is at least sixteen.   20. Disconnectable coupling device for a pipe, this device   tif comprising an adjusting piece in which is formed a bore and having an opening in said bore for accommodating the end of the pipe;   a retaining ring disposed in said opening and having a circular piece   and a series of fingers constrained inward and connected to the   circular part, these fingers being arranged to bear on the pipe during   that it is inserted into the fitting in the direction of the bore, so   that the pipe is protected against axial movement out of the adjus-   floor; and unlocking means capable of pushing the series of fingers radially outwardly to disengage this tube, characterized in that each of said fingers (22) of said retaining ring (20) comprises a   first inclined section (30) disposed at its end and which is folded radially   inwardly in a predetermined axial position, disposed between the ends (26) of these fingers and said circular piece (24), and these fingers   being spaced from each other, from the circular part,   predetermined speed such that they can be brought back against each other when they are bent radially inwards, this support being   such that a complementary movement inwards is excluded.   21. Disconnectable coupling device for a pipe, this device   tif comprising an adjusting piece in which is formed a bore and having an opening in said bore for housing the end of the pipe, said bore being arranged to be brought into communication with a source of fluid, and said opening having a first end adjacent said bore and a second open end outwardly of said fitting member; a retaining ring disposed in the opening and having a series of axial fingers and   folded inwards, so as to bear against this tube when it is   seated in the fitting through the bore; and deblocking means arranged to radially push the series of fingers to disengage the tube, characterized in that it comprises an annular seal (32) disposed in said opening (18), in an axial position located between said   fingers (22) and said first end of said opening, to take   on said pipe (10) and the inner wall of said opening to provide a seal between said pipe and said adjusting piece (14)   when said pipe is inserted therein, said annular seal being   arranged to exert an axial force on said second end of said   verture, when said annular seal is subjected to the pressure of a fluid communicating with said bore (16), and bearing means (30) and / or (34), -28. 2,473 15 2   contact with said annular seal, and associated with said fingers   stresses inwardly to increase the force that urges the fingers inward in response to axial force exerted by said annular seal. 22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the   releasing means comprise an unlocking sleeve (36) housed within the   of the retaining ring in said opening, said unlocking sleeve   lage being axially movable relative to said retaining ring to support   directly on said fingers (22), when it is moved axially   these fingers to force the series of fingers radially outward   to disengage said pipe, and said unlocking sleeve having a bead   integral continuous release (48) disposed around its circumference, this   let being arranged to bear on the outer surface of said pipe during   that this pipe is inserted into the opening of the adjusting piece, and this stuffing   'and being disposed near the end of the unlocking sleeve des-   tine to bear on said fingers.   23. Retaining ring arranged to be introduced into an adjusting part of a disconnectable coupling device, this retaining ring comprising a circular piece and a series of axial fingers constrained inward, spaced from each other and secured to each other of the circular piece, these fingers being arranged to bear on a tube when it is inserted through said retaining ring and to prevent axial displacement of the adjusting piece, characterized in that said retaining ring (20) includes   protruding elements arranged on the circular part (24) in positions   intermediates between the positions of said fingers (22), these elements   protrusions being arranged to dig grooves in the wall of the   verture (18) of said adjusting member (14) when said retaining ring is inserted into said opening, these grooves causing the formation of a   protrusion which prevents further movement of the retaining ring   the opening of said adjustment piece.